ALEXANDRIA, VA. — Alexandria prosecutors will take a new approach on marijuana possession cases. Commonwealth's Attorney Bryan Porter announced a new diversion program allowing people charged with possession of marijuana in Alexandria to get their cases dismissed.

Effective Sept. 3, 2019, people can complete a diversion program to get their charges dismissed. The program is open to anyone charged with possessing a small amount of marijuana, even those with a previous criminal record.

"My duty is to seek justice for the entire community—including persons charged with offenses—and that duty requires me to implement thoughtful policies with regard to low-level and non-violent crimes," said Porter in a statement. "My hope is that the majority of marijuana possession offenses will be diverted from the adjudication process, allowing my staff to focus on more serious crimes."